PEBBLE BEACH – One of the most iconic trees in the world fell prey to the high winds from last week’s rainstorm reducing the size of The Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach by about a third.

But judging by the regular stream of visitors to the stopping point along Pebble Beach’s famed 17 Mile Drive, its altered state did not deter tourists who were largely unaware that the tree had lost a limb.

The Lone Cypress on 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. The iconic Monterey Cypress lost a limb from the winter storms last week. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)

“We’ve been here before but it’s our first time on 17 Mile Drive,” said Marshall Ward, 29, of San Francisco, who, along with his wife Carissa and dog Sonny, were enjoying their car-cruise along the coast and taking in the view of the cypress, Carmel Bay and Point Lobos in the distance.

“I thought it looked different,” said Carissa Ward who had seen pictures of the tree but had never seen it in person until Monday.

The Wards said they were shocked that the tree, which stands sentry on a granite point on the scenic drive, was damaged by the storm.

The cypress is part of two original stands of trees that are now protected in the Del Monte Forest of Pebble Beach and Point Lobos Reserve.

The Wards said they were in the area taking advantage of the three-day President’s Day holiday weekend.

“That’s unfortunate it was damaged, but at least it was nature that did it,” said Marshall Ward.

Tourists view the Lone Cypress on 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach on Monday. The iconic Monterey cypress lost a limb from the winter storms last week. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)

An atmospheric river produced a series of storms that pummeled California last week bringing with it very strong winds and torrents of rain. The region has seen an above-normal rain season this year and Pebble Beach has witnessed many downed trees and widespread power outages.

The Country Club Gate guard shed into Pebble Beach was a casualty of the Pineapple Express that roared through the Central Coast last week when a large Monterey Pine crashed down on the structure and two cars passing through. Luckily no one was seriously injured but today the stone base of the shack is what remains as crews cleared the downed tree and splintered remnants of the guard house to be replaced soon with a new structure.

The Country Club gate house in Pebble Beach on Monday. The structure was removed after being damaged in the winter storms last week. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)

Dave and Marsha Wellmitz or Portland, Oregon were equally surprised to learn that the world-famous Lone Cypress at Pebble Beach was damaged in the storm.

The couple, who are both 70, said they started to make their way down to San Diego last Friday to visit a grandson in college.

“It’s just been beautiful. We had great weather over the weekend in San Francisco,” said Dave Wellmitz. “We did not know at all about the tree being damaged. We’ve never been here before and it’s our first time taking a picture of it.”

On Friday, the Pebble Beach Company reported to the Associated Press that despite the damage, an arborist examined the cypress and confirmed it is “healthy and remains secure on its rocky perch,” and that the loss of a limb was “a natural part of the evolution of The Lone Cypress Tree.”

According to the company, the tree is believed to be about 250 years old, and is its registered trademark since 1919. The Lone Cypress stands atop a granite outcropping above the ever-churning Pacific Ocean and has survived arsonists, vandals, drought, and a wind-whipped location near Pebble Beach’s scenic 17 Mile Drive.

James Herrera has been with The Herald for 26 years, during which he has been an ad designer, staff artist, newsroom graphic artist, videographer and now a reporter. He covers business and the cities of Marina, Seaside, Sand City and Del Rey Oaks.